Meeting Minutes: June 2nd 2011

June 2, 2011

Uniform meeting

MacArthur Library

Committee Attendees:  Elizabeth Jones, Ann Tucker, Crystal Gaines, Sally Eastman, Jeff Lane, Dara Surratt, Ms. Caldara, Ms. Norman, Deanne McNulty, Kathleen Kuehnast, Carolyn Ostermann-Healey, Julie West, Debbie Thompson, Karen Avery, Afandi Mulahi, Ms. Holloman, Ms. Merbeth, Katie Munson, Christina Sarchio

Maury school representative:  Tonya Kelly.  The push for uniforms started when Maury was a failing school with trying to look nicer by wearing nice pants and collared shirts.  When Ms. Jackson came over as a principal in 04/05, she got the support of the PTA and student body and implemented uniforms in the fall of the 05/06 school year.  On the first day of school, about 80% of students showed up in uniform, despite having so little time between announcement and implementation.  Now, most students come in uniform.  Uniforms are only worn Monday through Thursday with Friday being free dress within the overall dress code guidelines.

Maury’s uniform is powder blue or navy shirts and khaki or navy blue bottoms.  No sandals, no flip flops.  Girls can wear skorts, jumpers, shorts, pants, sweaters.

Mrs. Kelly likes the uniform policy now, but having a girl, it reduced the morning clothing battles.  She and other parents donate used uniform clothes as their children outgrow them to the nurse for redistribution. 

Q:  Did you fund for some of the uniforms when you started?

A:  I don’t think so, but they knew the PTA would step in with the parents who had need.  To supplement the uniform they had some Maury spiritwear printed, but she doesn’t exactly remember. 

Q:  What about those families that were against uniforms?

A:  Ms. Jackson met with parents and there was lots of communication about the uniform and where to buy them. 

Q:  What was their timeframe?

A:  Started the conversation about uniforms in January or February and it was implemented at the start of the next school year.

Q:  How many meetings?

A:  At least one PTA meeting to discuss, then the survey, then another PTA meeting where the issue was decided.  Then it was implemented.

Q:  If the uniform issue was brought up in 02/03 why did it take until 05/06 to implement?

A:  There were 3 different principals during this time period.  Ms. Jackson spearheaded it.

Q:  How many students were at Maury then and now?

A:  140 students when the uniform issue started and now 350 students (the school is at capacity.)

Q:  What was the motivation to go to uniforms?

A:  They were a Title 1 school, and there were many poor children who came to school in very bad clothes and the children were noticing it.  It was an equalizer socioeconomically.  The children didn’t have to worry about who was wearing what and they could concentrate on their school work.

Q:  Has it had this intended effect?

A:  Scores have shot up since they went to uniforms, and while it’s due to the teachers and the principal, but it certainly didn’t hurt. 

Q:  You said there didn’t seem to have many parents ask for uniforms for free?

A:  The social worker would know which parents need help, and she works with the PTA to highlight which families may need uniform assistance.  Sometimes, individual parents just step up and buy uniforms when it is said that there is a need.

Q:  Are there children who do not wear uniforms?

A:  Not that she has ever seen.

Q:  What about children with sensory issues or can’t do zippers or buttons?

A:  They don’t have these children at Maury, but they would have to make exceptions.  They can wear yoga pants or leggings.  Maury is quite relaxed about the uniform.  What’s important is that the students look like a team and contribute to school pride.  It’s more about the colors than the style or fabric of the clothes.    

Q:  Does the general population understand it is voluntary?

A:  Yes, but it doesn’t say it in the materials.  She hasn’t heard any parents complain in the many years she’s been there. 

Committee Structure and Voting:

Does this committee need to follow Roberts Rules of Order for committee business?  It was agreed that we will follow Robert Rules of Order for any formal committee business, such as motions, seconds and votes, but follow a loose conversation style during discussions. 

The committee was reminded that it is an advisory group to Ms. Thompson, who will get the final say. 

Decision:  We will be doing seconds and motions. 

Decision:  50% of members for a quorum.

Implementation based on State and Alexandria guidelines:

State guideline legal considerations:  The City guidelines already follow the state guidelines, but the committee will consult the state guidelines as it goes forward. 

Communications Notes:  [During the committee’s discussion, many members and visitors brought up issues relating to committee communications.  These are contained here.]  As the committee communicates about these issues, the fact that that uniforms are voluntary should be repeatedly stated.  We should call the committee the MacArthur Parent/Teacher Uniform Committee to reflect the input of the teachers on the committee.  We will gain input from the teachers, staff, and students next fall.  To maintain transparency, we need to be neutral in our communications to parents and the school. 

First Survey Results:

36% or 118 families responded NO, representing 115 children

64% or 203 families responded YES, representing 277 children.

Motion:  Committee feels that there has been “sufficient interest” in evaluating and making recommendations for a process going forward.  Second.  Vote:  Unanimous with Christina Sarchio abstaining. 

Motion:  Cap the committee at 25 members.  Second.  Vote:  Unanimous.

The committee directed Elizabeth Jones and Mrs. Thompson to issue a joint communication that states that the committee’s process in evaluating and making recommendations for a process going forward on the issue of uniforms at MacArthur will not reach its conclusion until after the start of the next school year.  Therefore, there will be no change to the MacArthur dress code for start of the 2011/2012 school year.

Adjourned.